Attitudes toward Sexting, Peer Pressure and Sexting among Adolescents

Abstract

Objective – This study examines the correlation between demographic characteristics (age and gender), attitudes toward sexting, and peer pressure and sexting behavior among adolescents.

Materials and Methods – The current study was conducted among 359 adolescents ages 15-17 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with data collected again one year after baseline. Participants completed questionnaires on demographic data, sexting behavior, attitudes toward sexting, and peer pressure.

Results – Descriptive analyses showed that although adolescents have negative attitudes toward sexting, they do participate in sexting, reporting more receiving (62.95 % –64.06 %) than sending (30.91 % – 32.31 %) and posting (8.91 % – 8.63 %) sexts. Regression analysis revealed that age, gender, attitudes toward sexting and the influence of peer pressure in the fields of risky behavior and parental relationships are significant predictors of various types of sexting. Attitudes toward sexting and peer pressure to engage in risky behavior were also a predictor of sexting behavior one year later.

Conclusion – The findings highlight the importance of addressing attitudes toward sexting and peer pressure in future preventive interventions related to sexting.